The Sanahene of the Enyan Denkyira Traditional Council in Ghana’s Central Region, Osadeayo Ayeboafo Etuaful, has threatened to mobilise farmers across the country for a major demonstration over what he describes as the government’s failure to address the challenges confronting the agricultural sector.
The traditional leader has expressed concern about the deteriorating livelihoods of farmers, arguing that despite their crucial role in feeding the nation and supporting Ghana’s economy, many continue to face severe financial and economic difficulties.
Speaking after the inauguration of the Central Regional Fruits Producers Union at Ekumfi Abor, Osadeayo Etuaful said farmers had contributed significantly to the country’s development for decades but had not received adequate attention from successive governments.
He maintained that the situation had reached a point where farmers must unite and stage a demonstration to demand improved working conditions, stronger government support and better policies to protect their livelihoods.
“For so many years farmers have been taking care of this country, but their situation, their livelihood, is very bad, and both the current and previous governments are not paying attention,” he said.
Sanahene Questions Government’s Treatment of Farmers
Osadeayo Ayeboafo Etuaful questioned why farmers appeared to receive less attention from the government compared with other professional groups, including teachers, doctors and nurses.
According to him, industrial actions and demonstrations by these professionals often attract government attention, while the concerns of farmers, who play a critical role in food production and national food security, remain inadequately addressed.
He questioned why agricultural workers should continue to endure difficult economic conditions despite their importance to the country’s survival and development.
The traditional leader therefore called on farmers to consider laying down their cutlasses and suspending farming activities until the government takes the necessary steps to address their concerns.
Ghana’s Food Security Could Be at Risk
The Enyan Denkyira Sanahene also recalled the devastating famine that affected Ghana in 1983, warning about the possible consequences of a nationwide halt in farming activities.
He questioned how the country would sustain its food supply if farmers stopped producing crops and supplying agricultural products to the market.
His comments highlight the importance of supporting farmers to strengthen food security, improve agricultural productivity and ensure a reliable supply of food for households across Ghana.
Osadeayo Etuaful argued that many farmers become impoverished despite their hard work, attributing their difficulties to economic management challenges and what he considers inadequate government attention to agriculture.
He further expressed disappointment over the current state of the agricultural industry, which he described as being on the verge of collapse.
Call for Urgent Government Intervention in Agriculture
The Sanahene, who also works as a part-time farmer, has appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to implement urgent measures to revitalise the sector.
He believes that improved government support and effective agricultural policies are necessary to protect farmers’ incomes, promote sustainable farming and strengthen Ghana’s agricultural economy.
His concerns add to ongoing discussions about the cost of farming, farmers’ welfare, food prices and the need for increased investment in agriculture.
The proposed demonstration is intended to draw national attention to the challenges facing farmers and push the government to take practical steps towards improving their livelihoods.
Source: newsthemegh.com